Nearly 50% of Muslim Students Report Harassment or Discrimination
Today, the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), in collaboration with the Center for the Prevention of Hate and Bullying (CPHB), released its second Campus Climate Report. The report sheds light on the lived experiences of Muslim college students across California and offers actionable recommendations for addressing the challenges they face.
SEE: 2024 CAIR California Campus Climate Report
The report, based on survey responses from 720 students at 87 public and private colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year, reveals that nearly 50% of Muslim students experienced harassment or discrimination on campus—a significant increase from 40% reported in CAIR-CA’s 2020 report. The findings also highlight how the October 7, 2023, attacks and the subsequent genocide in Gaza exacerbated Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian hate, and anti-Arab racism, leaving Muslim students feeling targeted and unsupported.
Key Findings:
- Rising Harassment: Nearly half of Muslim students surveyed reported facing harassment or discrimination due to their religious identity.
- Impacts of Genocide in Gaza: The October 7, 2023, attack and ongoing genocide in Gaza have intensified Islamophobic incidents, resulting in suppression of free speech and penalties for students advocating for Palestinian rights.
- Lack of Institutional Support: Many students report insufficient support from university administrations and law enforcement, compounding feelings of isolation and fear.
The report also provides an in-depth look at campus environments at several universities with high response rates, including:
- California State University, Fullerton
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, San Diego
Statements from Leaders
“Universities should be spaces where students can learn, grow, and engage freely without fear of discrimination or retaliation,” said CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush. “This report exposes a dangerous reality: Muslim students are not only facing harassment but are being systematically silenced when they stand up for justice. It is imperative that universities step up, enforce stronger protections, and create an environment where all students can feel safe and empowered.”
“Islamophobia is not just a political issue; it has deeply personal consequences for students navigating their education under constant fear and scrutiny,” said CPHB Director Osman Khan. “We hope this report encourages institutions to reflect on their policies and take immediate action to address these critical issues.”
“Muslim students should feel safe, supported, and empowered to express themselves on college campuses,” said CAIR San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA) Executive Director Zahra Billoo. “Instead, we are seeing a troubling pattern where global events are weaponized against them, and their voices are silenced. Universities have a responsibility to protect students from discrimination and ensure that all perspectives can be expressed freely without fear of retaliation.”
Take Action
CAIR-CA urges universities, administrators, and policymakers to review the report’s findings and implement policies to foster more inclusive and supportive campus environments.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACTS:
- CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, 714.851.4851, eelkadi@cair.com
- CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Anes Mokeddem, 916-441-6469, amokeddem@cair.com
- CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, 760-201-7626, tnizam@cair.com
- CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com
- CPHB Associate Marketing & Media Manager Shejuti Shahriar, sshahriar@cair.com